Hyperpigmentation is darkened areas on the face that can be caused by numerous factors, including overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, acne scarring, and for women, certain oral contraceptives and pregnancy. Age spots, also called liver spots, are forms of hyperpigmentation, as are the dark spots left behind after acne heals. Hyperpigmentation less often occurs in men and is less likely to clear up, though it is possible. People with darker skin tones are more likely to be affected by hyperpigmentation. Oddly enough, people with very light skin commonly have a well-known form of hyperpigmentation, called freckles.

Hyperpigmentation, for any reason, is when melanin (which gives skin it's color) gathers more strongly around a certain area of the face or body. While normally harmless, and a normal part of aging, it is important to keep an eye on any darker spots that appear suddenly on the face, such as freckles or age spots. These can occur after sun damage and should be checked out by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.

Treating hyperpigmentation is common and does not have to be painful or invasive. While commonly treated with prescriptions such as Retin-A, for most people, a prescription is not a necessity. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing are also used to treat hyperpigmentation. These treatments serve to effectively remove the damaged layers of skin. Often a good at-home treatment can do the trick to reduce age spots, freckles and other forms of hyperpigmentation, making costly and sometimes painful trips to the dermatologist unnecessary.

The most effective at-home treatments for hyperpigmentation work much like chemical peels and microdermabrasion at a professional's office will. They exfoliate the skin and promote new, healthier layers of skin to replace the old. They have ingredients such as glycolic acid,which in conjunction with a dermabrasion, or exfoliating ingredient are extremely effective.

Exfoliating is not only important for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, but also for prevention of that and other skin problems, such as clogged pores and acne as well. Exfoliating as part of a skin-care routine does wonders for the complexion. Everyday skin care products should only contain the best natural ingredients and will not irritate the skin. Zenmed has a complete line of products that fit all of these requirements, including products to erase any hyperpigmentation and/or skin discoloration you may have.